Category: Apr2013

United States policy on Security Sector Assistance is aimed at strengthening the ability of the United States to help allies and partner nations build their own security capacity, consistent with the principles of good governance and rule of law.  The United States has long recognized that the diversity and complexity of the threats to our…

On Thursday, April 11, President Obama will host United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for an Oval Office visit.  The President looks forward to welcoming the Secretary General back to the White House and consulting with him on key issues, including the crisis in Syria,  and expressing his gratitude for the many sacrifices United Nations…

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you all for being here today.  And welcome to the White House, and a belated happy Easter — this time of the year when we celebrate renewal and we reflect on the faith that brings us together. For me, the essence of my faith is tolerance:  not being judgmental about…

On April 12, 2010, by Executive Order 13536, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of…

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond…

Michelle and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Roger Ebert.  For a generation of Americans – and especially Chicagoans – Roger was the movies.  When he didn’t like a film, he was honest; when he did, he was effusive – capturing the unique power of the movies to take us somewhere magical. …

President Obama will welcome Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates to the White House on Tuesday, April 16.  The President looks forward to discussing with the Crown Prince the strong and enduring ties between the United States and the UAE and consulting on common strategic interests in the Gulf…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.   Well, first of all, I want to thank Tom and Kat for opening up this spectacular home.  They were bragging about the view — (laughter) — but Secret Service wasn’t going to let me look at the view.  But I’m now in my second…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Well, first of all, let me thank Ann and Gordon for once again extending such gracious hospitality to all of us.  I was reminded that I was first here in 2008, when I was running the first time, and I had much less gray hair.  (Laughter.)  But they were kind…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Well, it is wonderful to see all of you.  This is an intimate group.  What I want to do is mostly have a conversation.  But, first of all, obviously I want to thank Liz and Mark for their incredible hospitality.  We couldn’t be more appreciative.  And…